We have been helping people living with herpes find Herpes dating and support since 2001. Now that you know you have genital herpes, you're out of the dating game, right? There's no reason to stop looking for love and fun.

Similarly, if you have active genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes.

Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partners genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes. Most people report that they have great sex lives, even if they have contracted oral or genital herpes.

These symptoms may last up to several weeks, varying from one person to the next.

There are some conversations that change your life.

The fact that they have herpes says nothing about them other than that they were exposed to a virus.

Herpes affects approximately one in five Americans. It's also not as awful as many people think it will be. You'll still be able to date, fall in love, and have sex. It isn't a curse, a judgement, or the end of the world.

The first thing you need to do after you've received a genital herpes diagnosis is sit down and take a breath. Do some research and learn all you can about the disease.